The Neejaanisag (Children) Leadership Initiative supports children to grow their sense of identity through Nationhood, community, family and individual (child) focused projects. Through Collaborative Partnerships, COTTFN Justice Department, Lands & Environment, Antler River Elementary School (Education Department), Atlohsa Native Family Healing Services and Deshkan Ziibiing community members (men and women) have together shared with the Children traditional ojibwe story telling practices and skillful lessons for creating a Children’s own lodge structure. The events took place over a three day period: October 10, 11, and 12, 2017 during school hours. Community support was requested through Antler River Elementary School flyers to grade 4, 5, and 6 students and their families.

The Neejaanisag (Children) Leadership Initiative is a newly developed opportunity for Collaborative Partnerships both on and off reserve to align strategic plans to serve the well-being of all children in Chippewas of the Thames First Nation. There are more opportunities for COTTFN community members to become involved: key dates for community to consider are Monday November 20, 2017 and Friday January 12, 2018 /Saturday January 13, 2018. A Community notice for these dates will be sent out the beginning of November 2017.

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Welcome!

We are the Anishinaabeg of the territory of Deshkan Ziibiing, also known as Chippewas of the Thames First Nation. We call ourselves Anishinabek which means the original people. Known as the Ojibway, who are a band of the Algonquin language family who originally migrated to the Great Lakes area from the north-eastern region of North America. Our political alliances are with the Odawa (Ottawa) and Bodaywadami (Pottawatomi) who together form the Three Fires Confederacy.

Chippewas is a forward thinking nation with a strong grasp of our traditional values. Through culture, heritage and continued education we are working towards a better future and towards being a self-governing First Nation. We are located on the north bank of the Thames River approximately 20 km southwest of London, Ontario. The majority of Southwestern Ontario is our modern traditional territory.